Breakout Furniture FAQs
How many sofas do I need for 60 people?
To seat 60 people you’ll need 30 of our two seater sofas or 20 three seater sofas. In an ideal world you’ll have sufficient breakout seating for all staff, but we understand that you may be limited by space or budget.
- That’s why our modular sofas are available as slot together ranges without arms to maximise seating space. Ask us about our expert space planning services - you’ll be surprised at how much you can fit in.
If the backs and/or the sides of sofas and armchairs are above user head height then yes, they can certainly help to reduce noise.
- They do this by ‘cocooning’ people and providing an acoustic buffer - ideal in busy open plan spaces where noisy conversations and phone calls can bounce off hard surfaces.
- They also help to increase privacy and reduce distractions in shared spaces.
Will I need power sockets in a staff lounge?
Is there anywhere in the modern workplace where people don’t need power sockets? People need to charge phones, laptops and other devices, whether on their breaks or in meetings staff lounge areas will normally also be used as quiet spaces for work or to make calls.
Good to know
Power and data sockets can be incorporated into most breakout furniture from sofa and chair armrests, canteen table and side table tops.
What percentage of tables to sofas do I need in a staff breakout space?
This can vary depending on how you envisage your staff using the space - is it purely for rest periods and breaks or do you need a flexible space that functions as a place to relax as well as an additional work and meeting area?
The ideal ratio for a multifunctional space would be around 40% tables and chairs and 60% soft seating such as sofas.
What’s the best type of seating for a staff kitchen?
- A 300cm canteen table and benches will seat the largest amount of people using the smallest amount of space.
- For more casual seating arrangements our modular sofas can be moved around or added to at a later date so it is easy to increase the seating as the company grows.
- If you are looking for breakout table and chairs for more flexibility and function have a look at our cafe furniture ranges
How should I plan an accessible breakout space?
Always consider accessibility for staff members and visitors when planning any London office space.
If you include employees in the design process from the earliest stages they will be able to advise you on their preferred access requirements - for instance, height adjustable desks and easy to reach plug sockets can make daily tasks easier for physically disabled employees.
1. Walkways
Walkways should be a minimum of 90cm with at least 150cm passing place so that a wheelchair user can easily pass someone coming in the opposite direction.
If you have an employee who uses a wheelchair, take their advice first - wheelchairs come in many different shapes and sizes these days and some are easier to manoeuvre than others.
2. Quite & private spaces
Arrange breakout furniture so that all staff or visitors can easily eat, drink and join groups and conversations without feeling isolated but also have equal opportunities for privacy. Employees with hidden disabilities may benefit from access to quieter spaces.
3. Sofas & soft seating
For soft seating areas consider using sofas with one arm with at least a 45cm high seat. For eating areas make sure the ends of tables have a sufficient overhang of 70cm for wheelchair users.
- Eating tables should be at a minimum height of 72cm.
- Consider staff breakout tables with rounded corners rather than sharp angles.
